EDITORIAL – The New Year is Here

            We began the new year with optimism. We always expect that the annual cycle of change will bring in the best and the beneficial to us. We expect improvements in our family life, in the exercise of our profession, relationship with other people, the enrichment of our experiences, and molding of our characters.  The desire for a change is wrapped even in simple resolve. However, a new dispensation has set in our lives and our expectations are still woven in a thread of mystery.  Eyes have not seen, nor ears heards, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things that God has for them that love him.

            No matter how much we wish for the best, there are always unexpected events that dim the prospects in some ways.  Tragedy, for example. Early in January, we lost an officemate in a vehicular accident.  Within the same month the former president of La Carlota City College succumbed to cardiac arrest. On March 13, Gov. Joseph Marañon, respected and loved by everyone, topped the list of those we mourned and lost forever. We grieved their passing as friends and co-workers.

            Then we witness the blending of events in February. The Lenten Season began on the same date as the Chinese new year that ushered it the Year of the Rat. Like the change of the season the old order is altered to give place to new. The temporal will always yield to the ravages of time. That is the way of all flesh.

            We also see the mixing of cultures and beliefs in these influential events. The common denominator is that people of diverse persuasions believe that the events they celebrate will change their lives for the better. We cannot control the occurrences, but we believe that there is a Divine being that will bring to pass according to a blueprint.

            We have individual roles to play to improve our lives, those of others, and our community. Each of us has a duty to perform, and this we have to accomplish to the full extend of our capability. It is not necessary to scatter our energy to so many concerns.  We may only have one designated task to do, but we can get the job done by doing it willingly and sincerely.

            Every new year marks a fresh beginning. There are predictions, probabilities, conjectures, and myriads of other considerations designed to pierce through the mystery of the unseen and what the unborn day would finally bring.  In the midst of constant change, we have to draw strength and confidence from God.  He will fulfill His promise to make us new heart and a new spirit.